Didsbury's dispair at Birchfield

Didsbury travelled away to meet Birchfield in the League. In similar fashion to the previous week Didsbury started well with high intensity. The Didsbury pack were again dominant in the scrum, this forward strength allowed a maul formed on the halfway line to progress up the field some 30m which produced quick ball & slick handling culminating in a score by winger Paul Riley in the corner. In the absence of the regular kicker, centre Dylan Williams accepted the duties and managed to convert the long range kick to give Didsbury an early lead. Didsbury continued with fluent attacking moves from the backs enabled by the quality possession gained by the forwards. Good tactical awareness by veteran fly half Neil Wilkinson allowed a kick into space to be scored in the corner by full back Iain Bailey – however through a shocking refereeing decision it was disallowed? Just before half time whistle Birchfield were awarded a penalty which enabled them to reduce the score to 3-7.

Didsbury started the second half well with strong running in the centres by Williams & Chivers. Unfortunately further indiscretions allowed Birchfield to regain the lead with 2 penalties. Didsbury were generally the better side for most of the game but descended to Birchfield’s skill level in the second half with unusual inconsistencies and handling errors. Late on a Birchfield player was sent off for a high tackle which allowed Williams to regain the lead with another penalty. This lead was short lived as Birchfield scored a final penalty to secure their victory in the final minute of the game.

Next Saturday Didsbury’s 1st XV are Home in the League to Ashton-under-Lyne.
Last Saturday’s Team: Bailey, Riley, Williams, Chivers, Hoare, Wilkinson (Harley), Moran (Popoola), McDonough, Williams, Walker, Stevenson, Walker, Price, Smith , Dalies